Nobel laureate novelist Kenzaburo Oe was inducted into
France's Legion of Honor and given the rank of commander on
Wednesday at the French Embassy in Tokyo, embassy officials said.

French Ambassador to Japan Maurice Gourdault-Montagne expressed
respect for Oe's works that are full of intellectualism and moral
ideas.

''My philosophy of human beings, society and politics is
based on French humanism,'' Oe said.

''Now I am about to start writing probably my last novel,
called 'Ni Hyaku Nen no Kodomo' (200 Years of Children) and
feel that it is a sign of good fortune to receive such a dignified
accolade established 200 years ago,'' he added.

Oe was given the highest distinction the French government conveys
on civilians.

Several Japanese nationals including architect Kenzo Tange and
former U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata have received
the same honor.

Oe, 67, won the 1994 Nobel Prize for Literature.

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